Mysuru Zilla Panchayat CEO K.M. Gayathri inspected the maintenance of the multi-village drinking water supply project at Kethupura village in T. Narasipur taluk and instructed the officers present to construct a retaining wall around the jackwell.

During a surprise inspection of the village to take stock of the maintenance works and development works, Ms. Gayathri first visited the multi-village water project site along with the Zilla Panchayat officials and gave instructions for cleaning the area around the jackwell. She said the panel board had been repaired and told the officials for its installation.

As a precautionary measure, the water purification plant is located close to the forest and in view of instances of wild animals straying near the site, it is advisable to install a solar fence around the site for the safety of the staff working at the plant, she suggested.

She told the panchayat development officer to write to the Forest Department for its clearance to construct a road from the main road to the purification plant. The area was part of the Forest Department and its clearance was necessary.

Instead of supplying borewell water to the villagers who lack supply, the Gram Panchayat can also supply river water, drawing water from the multi-village project, through the tankers.

She also visited the households in the village to get the people’s opinions on the project and the impact it had on their routine. She expressed displeasure over the drop in revenue collection and was directed to issue notices for those who have not cleared the dues.

During her visit to the Anganwadi centre, she tasted the food cooked for the children and told the assistants to check the health of the children. Weight, height, and other health parameters of the children need to be checked regularly.

Since there were a few children below three years of age, she directed shifting such children to the “Koosina Mane”, crèche, which is run by the State government.

The ‘Koosina Mane’ scheme was announced in the Budget by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio. The government has proposed to open nearly 4,000 child homes for the benefit of working mothers enrolled under MGNREGA. The government announced the scheme in the Budget with the objective of providing medical care, nutrition and safety to the children of women from rural areas enrolled under the MGNREGA. Many such homes are open and functioning in various parts of the district.